King Vulture. Photo courtesy of Honolulu zoo.

King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa

The King Vulture is one of the New World vultures, closely related to Condors. It ranges from southern Mexico to southern Argentina and is the largest and most colourful of the four species of vulture found in Belize.

King vultures inhabit tropical lowland forests and nest near to the ground in stumps or downed logs. Males and females are identical and nearly the same size with a height of 32 inches and a wingspan of 4 feet.

King Vulture. Photo courtesy of Honolulu zoo.

King vulture chicks are brown, not developing the white body and black tail feathers until a year old. The face is flushed with yellow, rose, and orange and has a distinctive orange and red wattle.

King vultures are carrion feeders, finding carcasses by watching other vultures. Their thick, strong bill and long, thick claws are well adapted for tearing and holding meat. The bare head and neck enables the birds to reach far into carcasses without damaging their feathers.

Although King Vultures are not endangered, habitat destruction is threatening to send this species into decline.

The King Vulture has been classified as Least Concern by the IUCN (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the King Vulture).

Help Protect the King Vulture and Other Wildlife in Belize

King Vultures are known to live in the World Land Trust project area in Belize. To help protect this species and their habitat please support Friends of Belize.